Cedarburg High School

What Science Class Should I Take Next?

What are you taking now?

If I am taking the Earth Science and Physical Science courses this year, then next year…

• I should register for BIOLOGY or HONORS BIOLOGY.    
• I could also take Astronomy, Geology or Environmental Science if I really wanted to take more science.  (Sophomores may need to get the instructor’s permission.)

If I am taking Biology this year, then next year…    

• I can register for Chemistry, Honors Chemistry, Physics, Honors Physics, Anatomy and Physiology, Astronomy, Geology, Environmental Science or A.P. Environmental Science.  Which one I choose depends on my interest and plans.  (See Below.)
• Typically, students take Chemistry (honors or regular), but it is not required.
• Students with a strong interest in math and science may consider taking Chemistry and Physics together.

If I am taking another science course this year, I have a lot more options and should see below or talk with my teacher.

What are your future plans?

I want to graduate high school.

• Two years of science are required to graduate.

I want to go to college and major in a field not related to science or math.

• Most colleges require at least 3 science credits. 
• Which courses you take will depend on your interests and ability

I want to go to a selective college and/or major in a science or math field of study.

• It is highly recommended that you take at least 4 credits of science including (Earth Science and Physical Science), Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• You should also consider taking electives and/or Advanced Placement Classes

Can I take that class?

Besides Earth Science and Physical Science classes and Biology, most classes have prerequisites, or classes you must take before starting the class at hand.  On the back of this sheet is a shortened list of science electives, their description and prerequisites.   Additional information can be obtained from your teacher and the Program of Studies catalog. 

          Should I take HONORS classes?

• Honors covers most of the same material that regular covers, but either quicker or more in depth.  Taking honors requires self-motivation, good work ethic and critical thinking abilities.
• Chemistry and Physics are math intensive, so you must also be taking certain math classes for honors:
  • Honors Chem. – Adv Algebra/Trig or Intro to Calc at the same time
  • Honors Physics - Intro to Calc at the same timeHonors Biology – No math requirement, but a score of 21+ on the Explore Science section is recommended
• Students are not limited by their choice to take or not take honors.  If a student takes one class in honors, the next class they take could be regular or honors (and vice versa)

Science Electives:

Biology Electives

• Anatomy and Physiology I ½ credit (requires C or better in Biology)
  • Covers a systematic study of the body’s structure and function.   This semester will cover introductory information and skeletal, muscular, digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.
• Anatomy and Physiology II ½ credit (must complete Anat. And Phys. I first)
  • Continues the systematic study of the body’s structure and function.  This semester covers urinary, integumentary, nervous, endocrine, reproductive systems and has units on genetics, cancer, and aging.
• Advanced Placement Biology 1½ credits (requires successful completion of Chemistry and Biology)
  • Course extensively explores all aspects of biology.  Course is rigorous and requires extensive reading, writing and labs.

Chemistry Electives

• Chemistry 1 credit - (Requires completion of or concurrent enrollment in Advanced Algebra.  A B- or better in Geometry is recommended.)
  • Covers an overview of chemistry including atomic and molecular structure, reactions, stoichiometry, states of matter, solutions, thermodynamics, and electrochemistry.
• Advanced Placement Chemistry 1½ credit (requires successful completion of Chemistry and Advanced Algebra first)
  • This course covers the topics covered in regular chemistry, but does so at a much faster pace and greater depth.  It also introduces new topics.   This is a college level course.
• Organic Chemistry ½ credit (requires Chemistry first)
  • This course is an introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds.  It covers spectroscopy, organic nomenclature, isomerism, mechanisms, and the chemistry of organic functional groups.

Physics Electives

• Physics 1 credit (Requires completion of or concurrent enrollment in Advanced Algebra.  A B- or better in Geometry is recommended.)
  • Physics is the study of topics such as motion, force, projectiles, momentum, free fall, energy, electricity, light, and sound.
• Advanced Placement Physics 1½ credits (Completion of Physics and concurrent registration in AP Calculus is required).
  • This course is rigorous and calculus based.  The first semester covers Mechanics, and the second semester covers Electricity and Magnetism.  This is a college level course.

Earth Science Electives (Students may take either if they have completed Integrated Science or if they took Biology as freshmen)

• Geology ½ credit
  • Geology is the study of rocks and minerals, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanoes, rock formations, and geologic time.
• Astronomy ½ credit (also requires completion of Algebra)
  • Astronomy is the study of space, including constellations, the Earth as a planet, gravitation and planetary motion, the solar system, nature of light, stellar evolution and space exploration

Interdisciplinary Elective

• Environmental Science ½ credit- (requires Biology first)
  • Covers ecology and human impact on the Earth’s systems.  Environmental problems will be examined from scientific, social and political perspectives.
• Advanced Placement Environmental Science 1 credit- (requires Biology first)
  • Covers natural and man-made environmental problems and the scientific principles associated with them.  It also explores possible solution and human fators associated with the problems.  This is a college level course.
• Project Lead the Way: Biotechnical Engineering 1 credit (requires completion of Intro. to Engineering Design and Biology OR Instructor Permission)
  • Explores biotechnology including that which applies to biomedical engineering, molecular genetics, bioprocess engineering, agricultural and environmental engineering, forensics and bioethics.